How work a game developpement ?

Hey guys !
So, my question is in the title and, of course, I think only @Prometheus can answer ^^ (and at the same time, did you read my pm ? ^^' ). As I want to go in the video-game sector later, I want to know what are the steps of the creation of a video game, before and after his release (very large question, I know ^^). I would work as a 3D graphist, but, what happen for me after the release ? Am I in standby as all characters and maps are done ? Or will I work immediately on something else ? What happen at the beginning of the creation ? How did you create your studio ? When you start to create your game, do you already think to the continuation of the game (updates, new story,...) Or you will think it after the release ?
I know, those questions are pretty mixed together, sorry ^^ I have no other questions at the moment, but I surely miss some game developement part (I don't talk about role who don't really interest me, as coder or something else ^^ )
I hope you'll be able to answer at all of this big text.

@esher Please ignore my language. The steps is similiar to any other creative project. First, we need a goal. What is the game made for? Money? Viral our team? Prove our talents? Change the game industry in the nation? ... Whatever. Then our game will strict to this goal. You should only work when you share the same goal with the team, or at least familiar.

Yeah, it's may seem to be weird if a goal come first ideas later. But that's how we should work, how team work. Now the main ideas. The developement team will sit together and talk about ideas and how they fit the goal. It may include or not the designer, depend on how the team define who in charge of ideas. But most of the time as modern work everyone will be able to. Because every role is important.

Then let's talk about what we already have. I mean resources. Human, money, abilities, ... Do we meet the requirement to make the ideas come true? How far can we go?

Let's skip the boring coding and programming as you don't like, (but you must know a little bit because designing for a game is not you just sit there and draw, then the others will do the rest. Let's someone know it better than me answer you). After we have ideas, resources, then stories, characters, plot,... need the concept art to visualise what are being discussed. The concept artist will take the role, or if you mastered 2D and 3D you will have it your way. Some game may ignore the concept art step, but for me it's important to pin them on the wall and know what we are doing.

Everything settled down. Now work. Design whatever your task is. Deadline is deadline. Finish and report it so the programmers can continue their work.

Let's someone better answer about the alpha beta step. But after the game release, we have to think about the continuation OF OUR TEAM. Team, not the game. Will we continue the goal or we need a new? Then, is improving the game (expand the story, update,...) important to the goal? If it's is, go back to the idea step, to discuss what next for the game. If it isn't, make another game. Never stop creating.

Another advise, most of the failed game developement teams in my country they failed because they think they are supermen. IT guys came together wanted to make a real big game, they may master the programming, designing, but they forgot about other roles. Cutscenes without director, character building and story without writter, sell without saler, marketing without marketer?... Also they were conservative, no innovation, no creative. "Copy wont make succeed, we create our own fate" (Addidas slogan in my country lol). That what I can tell you for now

@lehuan5062 Thanks for this answer Yes, of course, a game developement work as an other creative project, you said it. And now, I would know what are the different role in a game developement, what they do, the specific stage,... For me, you gave a general answer, who work for everything ^^ But it gave me a first idea of the thing, thanks

That depends on the type of game - but could be generalized to other products really. If the development of the game continues after release (as it happens for what we're doing - an MMO), you'll likely keep working on it. If not, you might be assigned to another team.